The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced the release of $2.5 million to support emergency responses for nearly 300,000 people affected by severe flooding in Burundi. The funds aim to provide life-saving assistance to over 63,000 individuals, offering essential resources such as water and hygiene kits, latrines, health support, and cash assistance.
According to OCHA, heavy rains since the beginning of the year have led to devastating flooding and landslides, particularly in areas near Lake Tanganyika in the southwest of the country. The impact has been catastrophic, with nearly 300,000 people affected and over 47,000 displaced from their homes. The flooding has also resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including thousands of homes and schools, and has destroyed 10 percent of Burundi’s food crops. Additionally, the floods have exacerbated the spread of vector-borne diseases, posing a further health risk to the affected populations.
“The flooding has not only displaced tens of thousands but also severely disrupted the lives of nearly 300,000 people,” OCHA stated. “Our priority is to provide immediate relief and support to those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services.”
The allocated funds will be used to implement a multi-faceted response plan aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term needs. This includes:
- Provision of Clean Water and Sanitation: Distribution of water and hygiene kits, and the construction of emergency latrines to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
- Health Support: Deployment of medical teams and supplies to provide essential healthcare services and manage the increased risk of disease.
- Shelter and Reconstruction: Assistance for rebuilding homes and critical infrastructure, ensuring displaced families have safe and secure places to stay.
- Cash Assistance: Financial support to help affected families meet their urgent needs and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
OCHA’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to mobilize resources and coordinate with local and international partners to provide comprehensive support to those impacted by the disaster. The agency has called for additional funding and support from the international community to address the ongoing crisis and help Burundi recover from the severe flooding.
